摘要
Podophyllum hexandrum is a perennial herb and a valuable medicinal plant.Its common name is mayapple and is native to the lower elevations in and surrounding the Himalayan area of Pakistan.It has been used through the ages and in modern time as an intestinal purgative,inhibitor of tumor growth and salve for necrotic and infected wounds.Many important secondary metabolites have been reported to be extracted from the plant among which the most important one is podophyllotoxin as it possesses antitumor property which is used for the treatment of testicular cancer as well as lung cancer.The plant is very badly overexploited which causes decline in the frequency of this species in the past few years.It needs immediate attention for conservation by improving propagation techniques.This article reviews briefly the medicinal,phytochemical,pharmacological and conservation-related aspects of the plant.
